Advancing Futures

What you will need

• ✓ Completed Advancing Futures application form
• ✓ Proof of application to or enrolment in the intended program of study
• ✓ Eligibility from Government of Alberta
• ✓ Current contact information including email, phone number, and mailing address

About this award

You can receive up to $40,000 in education costs, which covers your required tuition, mandatory fees, books, supplies, approved technology, and a health benefit plan. This grant also provides transportation funds, childcare funds, and a damage deposit. Depending on your family status, you get a monthly living allowance: single students get $1,128 full-time or $564 part-time; parents with one child get $1,991 full-time or $995.50 part-time; parents with two children get $2,583 full-time or $1,291.50 part-time; parents with three children get $3,175 full-time or $1,587.50 part-time; parents with four children get $3,767 full-time or $1,883.50 part-time; and you get an extra $592 full-time or $296 part-time for each additional child. As a grant, this money is yours to keep and you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are a young adult who has experienced the challenges of being in government care and is now looking to gain one employable skill through post-secondary education. There are three main annual deadlines: apply by June 1 to start studies from September to December; apply by October 1 to start between January and April; or apply by February 1 to start between May and August. If you are attending a specialized high school, you have extended deadlines of October 1 (fall), February 1 (winter), and May 1 (spring/summer). Registered apprentices in technical training can apply year-round, provided you submit your application at least 8 weeks before training starts. You will usually hear back via email, though Government of Alberta may sometimes use phone or mail. Selection criteria aren't published — ask Government of Alberta how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask Government of Alberta during your application how the money will reach you — some awards pay students directly, others apply funds to tuition. Confirm this so you can plan your cash flow. You must apply for funding every year. Renewal conditions aren't listed — if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with Government of Alberta what you need to maintain to keep your funding.

Who qualifies

To qualify, you must be between 18 and 24 years old at the time you apply and be a full- or part-time student enrolled at one of over 400 approved schools, colleges, and universities. You must have been a youth in government care due to an Alberta-based agreement or order. Specifically, you must have had a Permanent Guardianship Order (PGO) or Permanent Guardianship Agreement between the ages of 13 and 18, or have been in the care or custody of Children and Family Services for at least 546 days (18 months) between the ages of 13 and 24. If you were adopted or had a Private Guardianship Order before age 13 but received Supports for Permanency for more than 546 days between ages 13 and 18, contact Government of Alberta to request an exception. This program funds one employable skill, including academic upgrading (if required for entry), licenses, certificates, trades, diplomas, or degrees. Note that Government of Alberta does not fund master's degrees or doctoral programs.

This is what the award's official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.

• ✓ Open to high school, trades, certificate or undergraduate students
• ✓ Resident of Alberta

How to apply

1. 1

   Read the award's official page

   Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.

2. 2

   Submit your application

   Save a copy, and submit at least a day before the deadline shown above.

Tips for applying

• ApplicationAvoid submitting your Advancing Futures application before you have applied to your school. Instead, secure your proof of application or enrolment first. Get your program application confirmation ready to upload immediately.
• SupportAvoid guessing if your school is eligible. Instead, contact the Prospective Student team to confirm your institution and program are among the 400+ approved options. Send them the exact name of your program and campus.
• StrategyAvoid waiting until the deadline day to submit. Instead, remember that it can take 8 to 10 weeks after the deadline for applications to be fully processed. Submit early so you can plan your finances for the term.
• RealismAvoid ignoring your inbox after applying. Instead, check your email daily because Government of Alberta uses email as their primary way to send updates. Set up a specific folder for these emails so you don't miss a request for more info.

Questions students ask

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